Airmen in Captivity: The POW Experience

Friday, Oct. 8 – Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010

World War II created 93,941 prisoners of war. However, life in the prison camps bore little resemblance of what is depicted in the movies and on television. Before the prison gates closed behind them, these fierce young airmen survived catastrophic flying trauma only to be captured and imprisoned by the enemy. What lay ahead was a psychological battlefield armed with a barrage of interrogation, isolation, and brutal conditions.

What did they experience? What did they learn? How did they manage not only to survive but to triumph over these real-life traumatic experiences? Learn about facing the enemy without as well as the enemy within, from these true American heroes. This event features an open-forum/question-and-answer format with WWII prisoners of war.

The 2010 Living History Symposium Series is sponsored in-part by WUSF Public Broadcasting.

"They Dared to Fly" featuring Tuskegee Airmen

Thursday, February 10 – Saturday,
February 12, 2011

Fantasy of Flight’s Living History Symposium Series continues with "They Dared to Fly" in honor of Black History month. Join several of the original Tuskegee Airmen as they share their personal experiences of wartime military service during segregated America. This event features open-forum/question-and-answer sessions.

Fantasy of Flight's permanent multi-media Tuskegee Airmen exhibit and vintage aircraft collection, including the P-51C Mustang, provides the perfect backdrop for this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet these brave men.

"A Passionate Pursuit" featuring WWII WASP
(Women Airforce Service Pilots)

Friday, March 4 - Saturday, March 5, 2011

"A Passionate Pursuit," featuring the WASP—Women Airforce Service Pilots—a spirited squadron of pilots who left their homes and families at the height of World War II to serve their country as the first American women to fly for the U.S. Military. Fantasy of Flight’s Living History Symposium Series continues with this event in honor of Women’s History Month, and will bring to life the experiences of some of America’s most courageous aviators through permanent and semi-permanent exhibits, real aircraft, and most importantly, personal stories from real WASP pilots who will be answering questions and interacting with guests.